How often should I bathe my dog

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Many pet parents find themselves asking questions after adopting a new pup, including how often they should bathe their dog. The answer can be tricky since it depends on the dog and other factors.

There are no hard and fast rules for bathingbut how often will depend on many things, including the breed of dog, their coat type, lifestyles, and the time of year.

Key Takeaways

• Your pups breed will be a major determining factor when it comes to how often they need full baths.
• Products matterespecially if your dog is managing a health or skin condition. Always work with your veterinarian.
• Dog odor tends to be more obvious in the summer versus the winter months.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Bathing and grooming are two related but different things. All dogs need regular grooming. This includes trimming their toenails, brushing their coat out, using de-shedding tools for dogs with thicker coats, and cleaning their ears and folds of their skin.

Some dogs will need more frequent grooming than others. However, most dogs will benefit from a weekly once over to shorten their nails, clean their ears, and take care of small snags and tangles in their fur. A full bathincluding a wet down, shampoo, and rinse varies. Bathing too frequently can lead to dry coats and skin problems, while not enough bathing can lead to health problems and a stinky pup. The happy medium may range from bathing your dog once a week to only a few times a year.

Dog Breed and Dog Coat Type

Your dogs breed will be a huge determining factor for how often to bathe them, and how much work this process entails. It isnt as simple as fur length, as hairless dogs like the Xoloitzcuintli need quite a bit of coat care even though they dont have much fur. Other dogs, such as the Puli, have super long coats. They surprisingly need little careespecially after their coats have been corded. Double-coated dogs like Labradorsoften need more de-shedding work than they do bathing, and long-haired pups like Collies tend to get more tangles and mats which require regular care.

As a rule, the larger the dog and the longer the coat, the more effort will be needed to keep things under control, although this may not mean bathing, but more general grooming and coat care. Be sure to research the breed (or mix of breeds) to find out its needs before adopting. As a responsible pet parent, you need to know what to expect.

Health Conditions

If your pup has any health conditionsparticularly those that affect the skinyour veterinarian will likely have additional guidelines to consider when developing a bathing schedule. Be mindful that medicated shampoos may be necessary to treat some skin conditions, and that these dogs may need to be bathed either more or less frequently than the general breed recommendations.

Using the wrong product on a dog with unhealthy skin could make matters worse, so if you are noting any changes in your pets skin, be sure to check it out with your veterinarian before opting for a product.

Seasonality

The time of year will also affect how often to bathe and what products to use. During the warm, wet months of the year, many dogs are prone to greasy coats and doggy odor.Skin allergies will also be more in focus, with scratches and sores developing. Parasites such as fleas and ticks are also more common, further irritating the skin. This means that more frequent bathsoften with medicated productsare necessary.

Dogs that swim in the warmer months may not need as many baths but will need a good rise in clean water post swim. During the winter, dogs typically arent as dirty, but are more prone to dry skin which can be itchy and irritating, so a moisturizing shampoo is necessary. The level of bathing will depend on the amount of dirt and grime on your pooch.

Age and Lifestyle

Puppies and young adults tend to be experts when it comes to finding ways to get dirty. As a result, these dogs often need more baths.

As dogs age, they tend to become more inactive. Some dogs prefer to stay indoors rather than play outside. Senior pups typically do not need as much bathingusually just enough to keep any body odor at bay. You can also invest in some grooming wipes to keep them smelling fresh between baths.

Senior dogs also have restricted activity and may have trouble keeping themselves clean. They may require more intensive grooming, as they may not be able to do it on their own. Some of these pups may start to show health issues, such as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can cause dogs to easily soil their coat. If they are managing health conditions, daily wipes and spot cleaning may be necessary.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

Brushing should be done daily for long-coated breeds and at least weekly for dogs with a short coat. Brushing goes a long way to keep fur and underlying skin healthy. Dogs with thick coats will need to have the undercoat pulled out with de-shedding tools, while dogs prone to tangles will need careful dematting.

Most mixed-breed dogs will benefit from brushing a few times a week. When in doubt, brush it out.

Dog Bathing Products to Have on Hand

Before stocking up on bathing supplies, chat with your veterinarian to be sure they are right for your pooch.

Some great products to keep on hand include:

Professional Grooming Considerations

Many pet parents take their pups regularly to have a groomer do all the heavy hitting. If you prefer a particular haircut for your pup, or its time to do a seasonal shave down, these tasks are often best left to a groomer. If you notice your dog has tight knots or has rolled in something sticky like bubblegum, groomers have special tools to deal with the situation safely.

Whether you want to groom your dog or have a professional take care of them, good coat care is not only cosmetic, but also critical to the health of your pup.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Su Arslanoglu

WRITTEN BY

Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Veterinarian

Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine.Since graduation, she has worked in many fields...

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog? (Plus 8 Bathing Tips)

Splish splash, does your dog need a bath? Most humans shower once daily, but how often should you wash your dog? Well get down and dirty with the facts on how to keep your furry friend looking fresh and clean to ensure a happy, healthy pup.

How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?

According to an Honest Paws study, 56% of pet parents dont bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when its bath time.

Bathing your dog isnt just good for their hygiene. Its also an excellent chance to check for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other abnormalities. These things are easier to see when their hair is wet and flat against their body.

But how often should you wash your puppy? There are a few factors that determine your pups bath routine:

• Hair Length: Does your dog have long hair that can trap dirt and debris? Or are they short-haired and less susceptible to getting grimy?
• Activity Level: A dog who is mostly indoors and stays out of trouble when theyre outside is probably cleaner than a dog who likes to dig holes, play in the park, roll in waste, or go swimming.
• Allergies and Skin Conditions: Some dogs have skin allergies or other health conditions that make them prone to needing a bath more or less frequently. Learn more about dog skin allergies.

At a minimum, bathe your dog at least once every three months.You can wash your dog as frequently as every other week (with a gentle shampoo, it could be even more frequent). When in doubt, use your judgment if your dog starts to smell, its probably time for a bath. Its also a good idea to check with your veterinarian about how often to bathe your dog.

Can I Bathe My Dog Once A Week

Is it bad to bathe your dog every week? Or wondering can I bathe my dog twice a week? Its not recommended. Your dog needs natural oils produced by the skin to promote hair growth and good overall skin and coat health. Overbathing your dog could strip the skin of these natural oils, leading to irritation and dryness. So dont overdo it!

9 Benefits Of Bathing Your Dog

Bathing your dog is an essential aspect of their overall health and well-being. While dogs are generally good at grooming themselves, regular baths provide several benefits:

1. Removal of Dirt and Debris: Bathing helps remove dirt, debris, and loose hair from your dogs coat. This is particularly important for dogs that spend time outdoors and may come into contact with allergens, parasites, or pollutants.
2. Prevention of Matting: Regular baths help prevent the matting of your dogs fur, especially in breeds with long or dense coats. Matting can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
3. Reduction of Odors: Dogs can develop odors over time due to natural oils, outdoor activities, or skin conditions. Bathing helps control and reduce these odors, keeping your dog smelling fresh.
4. Flea and Tick Prevention: Regular bathing, especially with flea and tick shampoos, can help prevent infestations. Its essential to use dog-safe products to avoid skin irritation and adverse reactions.
5. Removal of Allergens: Dogs can be allergic to certain substances, and their skin may react to allergens present in the environment. Bathing helps remove potential allergens and provides relief for dogs with sensitive skin.
6. Early Detection of Issues: Bathing allows you to closely examine your dogs skin, coat, ears, eyes, and other body parts. This regular inspection helps you detect any abnormalities, lumps, bumps, or signs of infection early on.
7. Positive Interaction: Bathing provides an opportunity for positive interaction and bonding between you and your dog. It helps build trust and reinforces the relationship between pet and owner.
8. Positive Exposure to Grooming: Regular bathing and grooming from an early age help your dog become more accustomed to the grooming process. This can be particularly beneficial for grooming procedures that may be necessary for their health, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.
9. Cooling Effect: In hot weather, a cool bath can help regulate your dogs body temperature. However, its important not to bathe your dog too frequently, as excessive bathing can strip away natural oils and lead to dry skin.

While bathing is important, its crucial to strike a balance and not overdo it. The frequency of baths depends on your dogs breed, activity level, and overall health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate bathing schedule and to choose the right products for your dogs specific needs. Additionally, always use dog-safe shampoos and conditioners to avoid skin irritation.

CBD Oil Can Help Calm A Dog Before Bath Time

Many dogs become anxious when its time to hop in the tub. To help ease your dogs anxiety, you could give your dog a little CBD oil or a CBD-infused treat. Give your vet a call before administering any CBD products, and talk to them about if your dog is a good candidate for CBD. We also recommend contacting the products manufacturer to check with them first.

How To Bathe A Dog: 8 Bathing Tips

How do you bathe a dog correctly? It can be tricky trying to tame your pup in the tub while also washing them. Thanks to these tips, giving a dog a bath is easier than you think. Try these simple steps to ensure you have a successful bath time with your furry friend.

1. Buy Shampoo & Other Supplies

Use a dog-specific shampooto prevent suds from stinging your dogs eyes. We recommend you use a hypo-allergenic and all-natural shampoo to reduce potential skin irritations and dryness. Have a rubber or non-stick bathmat handy for the tub to keep them from slipping and sliding too much (both inside and outside the tub). Also, have cotton balls ready to place in their ears to block water out gently.

Personal Experience With Dog Soap

WashBar sent a sample of their Natural Dog Soap Bar in exchange for an unbiased review.

Before using this soap bar, I used liquid dog shampoo that came in a plastic bottle. Now that Ive used this bar of soap, Ill never go back. Using a bar of soap is so much easier than using a bottle of liquid soap because it frees up one hand to hold my dog while I use the other hand to scrub and lather my dogs skin and fur. This especially helps with getting my dogs belly and underside. I also like that this WashBar soap has zero waste. It comes in a cardboard box, so theres no plastic used. One bar of soap is equivalent to over 20 oz of liquid shampoo. This is important to me because I try to limit my plastic use in other items I purchase, so why wouldnt I do the same for my dogs shampoo.

Kimberly A., Canine Journal

2. Dont Forget To Brush

This step can easily get overlooked. Before bath time, prep your pup by giving them a thorough brushing to get rid of tangles and excess hair. Need a brush? Youre in luck. Weve recommended the best dog brushes for you.

3. Pick A Spot (& Stick To It)

Wondering how to bathe a scared dog? Consistency is critical when it comes to keeping your pet clean and calm. Bathing can be uncomfortable, so having a place they are familiar with will ease their fears or at least let them know what to expect.

A lick pad is a great wayto get your pup to sit still during a bath. Just stick the pad to the side of the tub or countertop (if your dog bathes in the sink) and add peanut butter. This combo will keep your pup distracted and entertained so you can focus on cleaning.

If you live in a smaller apartment, a bathtub with a handheld shower sprayer is sufficient. If they are smaller or a puppy, you could also use the sink. There are special tubs just for bathing dogs, but if you are already tight on space, the sink or tub might not be a good option.

Have an outdoor area and live where the temperature to bathe dogs outside is warm year-round? Then outside might be a better option, but make sure its on a flat, sturdy surface like concrete or a deck, so youre not counterproductively washing them in the muddy grass or yard. A kiddie pool can double as an outdoor doggy spa too.

You might also consider trying a hose attachment like the Aquapaw. As seen on Shark Tank, the Aquapaw has a soft, silicone brush with a handle on the end of the hose that allows you to control the water flow with a button on top. Its easy to grip and gently massages your pup while you wash them no need for a bucket of water or tub. Canine Journals founder had the opportunity to experience the Aquapaw in exchange for an honest review.

Our Personal Experience With Aquapaw

We attached this grooming brush to the hose outside, and it was so much better than anything I have ever tried for bath time. Our dogs preferred the gentle rub and brush to the typical cold spray of water from our shower wand. It was also fast and relatively painless for all. I will definitely use it again and recommend it to anyone seeking a less stressful dog bath experience.

Michelle S., Canine Journal

4. Gather Before You Lather

Once your pup is wet, youll have your hands full, so having everything you need nearby is necessary. Set aside a clean towel, a cup for rinsing (if need be), and treats for afterward (or during for good behavior). Never leave a dog unattended in the tub, and if youre outside, make sure your dog is contained or on a leash.

5. Some Like It Hot: Water Temp Matters

Can I bathe my dog in cold water? is a common question we hear.

Lukewarm-to-slightly warm water is ideal. Never use scaldinghot water, as it canburn your dogs skin. Think of what would be good for a newborn baby or a small child. Not too hot, not too cold.

6. Clean From Bottom To Top, Rinse From Head to Tail

Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle, then lightly lather the soap in a circular motion paying particular attention to their paws and other places prone to dirt. Start with their feet and work your way up to their face last.

This will stop the soap from dripping into their eyes and ears and cut down on shaking. Rinse starting from the head and work your way down until the stream is clear. This helps the shampoo wash down and away from their sensitive spots.

7. Towel (Or Blow) Dry

Covering your pup in a towel retains heat and lessens the chances of them shaking water all over you (and your house). If its cold or your dog has long hair that takes longer to dry, you might consider using a dog blow dryer to speed up the process.

8. Make It Fun!

Are you trying to figure out how to give a dog a bath that hates baths? Make it enjoyable! Bathing can be a bonding experience for both you and your dog. Take baby (or puppy) steps, introducing them to water and working up to a full bath. Dont take the plunge right away. Be patient and gentle. If your dog senses you are stressed out, they will be too. Make sure you reward with treats and show lots of love and affection.

8 Steps To Bathing Your Dog (Infographic)

To summarize, here are the eight steps for bathing a dog in a visual format to reference easily.

Watch A Dog Get A Bath (Video)

Check out this 90-second video to see an expert from PetCo bathe a Lab using some of the tricks and techniques we shared above.

Can I Give A Dog A Bath Without Water?

Looking for how to give a dog a bath at home without water? Its possible to use quick bath dog wipes to calm down the stink. They reduce bacteria and odors. Wipes are always good to have on hand, especially in the car for those dirtier post-dog park moments. Check out our reviews of the best dog wipes. You can also use a dog brush to get the grime out.

If your dog is dirty and you are thinking, can I bathe my dog everyday? No. But another option is waterless or dry dog shampoo. It can come in various forms, including spray, powder, or mousse, and is designed to leave your dog looking and smelling fresher without adding water. This can be helpful between baths or if your dog is scared of water.

Lastly, if your dog starts to stink up the house, you might want to try a pet odor-neutralizer.

How Often To Bathe Puppy Dogs

Puppies generally do not need to be bathed as often as adult dogs. Their coats are not fully grown yet, and they typically are not going outside as much (or around other dogs until they get their vaccination shots). You can bathe a puppy as needed if they get particularly dirty or smelly. As with any dog, if your puppy has any skin issues or allergies, you should consult with your veterinarian on how often to bathe them.

Other Ways To Improve Your Pups Quality Of Life

Just like humans like to be clean, dogs enjoy being clean too. The only difference is that dogs can lick themselves every so often they mostly rely on their pet parents to help with hygiene. In addition to bathing, you can improve their quality of life by brushing their teethand giving them a full groom regularly.

Tagged With: Grooming, Reviewed By Dr. Pendergrass, DVM